File: Spring 2007 Press Release #08-07

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Sean Pressman
	(610) 798-4121

LEHIGH VALLEY REGIONAL DUI TASK FORCE TO CONTINUE DUI ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES

Task Force reminds motorists to spring into safe driving

Allentown (April 10, 2007) --
Sean A. Brown Press Release #08-07
Safety Press Officer April 10, 2007
PennDOT, Engineering District 5-0
(610) 871-4556
sebrown@state.pa.us

William D. McQuilken
Trauma Prevention Coordinator
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
(610) 402-9047
william_d.mcquilken@lvh.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LEHIGH VALLEY REGIONAL DUI TASK FORCE TO CONTINUE DUI ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES
Task Force reminds motorists to spring into safe driving
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA (April 10) – The Lehigh Valley Regional DUI Task Force will be conducting DUI enforcement activities throughout the month of April in select locations throughout the Lehigh Valley. These enforcement activities include: sobriety checkpoints, DUI roving patrols, and “Cops in Shops” programs.
A sobriety checkpoint consists of the police setting up a roadblock in a designated area and stopping each vehicle that drives through the location. Drivers who appear to be driving under the influence of alcohol and/or controlled substances will be tested.

-more-

DUI Spring 2007, Page 2
The “Cops in Shops” program targets minors who attempt to purchase alcohol and adults who attempt furnish alcohol to minors, by stationing undercover or “plain
clothes” police officers in PA State Liquor Stores, beer distributors, eating establishments, and other businesses that sell alcohol.
Roving patrols watch for motorists who appear to be driving under the influence. There are no roadblocks with roving patrols.
While April showers may bring May flowers, wet weather may also make for hazardous driving conditions. The Task Force is reminding motorists to spring into safe driving by following these safety tips:
• Always wear your seat belt;
• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Never drive while distracted;
• Keep your tires properly inflated;
• Inspect and maintain good tread on your tires, and replace them when necessary;

• Check your brakes and have them replaced when necessary;

• Never drive around barriers or try to drive through high water;

• Slow down and remember roads are most slippery when the first rain drops make contact with the road surface;

• Allow extra following distance - a car needs two-to-ten times more distance to stop on a wet road than on dry pavement, so try to stay at least two car lengths behind the car in front of you;

• Watch for pedestrians - with hoods or umbrellas up in the rain and fog, pedestrians may not see you coming and may be more difficult for you to see;

-more-
DUI Spring 2007, Page 3
Most Pennsylvanians are used to "winterizing" their vehicles, but it's just as important to "summerize" your vehicle. By doing the following, you may help avoid a warm weather vehicle meltdown:
• Change your oil at recommended intervals;
• Make sure coolant and fluids are filled to appropriate levels, and have your coolant system service by a certified specialist;
• Examine hoses and belts and replace any that may have cracked during the colder weather;
• Have your air conditioning serviced by a certified specialist;
• Replace wiper blades if necessary - blades in poor condition can have an adverse effect on visibility;
• Keep tires properly inflated (this not only helps fuel efficiency, but also helps to avoid damage to tires);
• Make sure your spare tire is in good shape.

The Task Force is comprised of members of law enforcement, the business community, PennDOT and health care representatives to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, speeding, and seat belt usage throughout the Lehigh Valley.

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